PREVIEW: ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6, Episode 9 “Battle of the Bastards”

It’s time for the War for Winterfell… Get a sneak peek of this week’s Game of Thrones (“Battle of the Bastards”), airing Sunday, June 19 at 9:00pm ET|PT on HBO.

Like we expected, “No One” focussed heavily on the Lannisters. With that said, the time we spent with Arya culminated in a moment we’ve been waiting a long time for!

Brienne’s arrival at Riverrun, in time to reunite with Jaime, gives me so many feelings (#JaimeXBrienne). Make mo mistake, I’m definitely a Briemund shipper (#Oafkeeper), but to see the depth of feeling and respect between Jaime and Brienne is pretty remarkable. He trusts her to negotiate with the Blackfish, insists that she keep Oathkeeper, and both are incredibly hesitant to fight on opposing sides on the battlefield.

Unfortunately, Brienne isn’t able to convince Brynden to come with her to fight for Winterfell. However, the Blackfish is impressed with Sansa and Brienne… he even helps Brienne and Pod escape the castle once the Lannisters/Freys seize control. But as Brienne sails away… that longing look and wave she shares with Jaime is pretty epic.

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

However, I’m super curious about what happens at Riverrun now. Edmure agrees to Jaime’s terms (hopefully this means he’ll have some level of freedom and be able to finally see his son and wife). But when Sansa and Jon take Winterfell (*FINGERS CROSSED*), won’t they come after the Freys for revenge? What’s Edmure going to say then? Furthermore, won’t this be another circumstance where Brienne and Jaime will be on different sides?

In any event, Jaime better hightail it back to King’s Landing fast because Cersei is in hot water. When Tommen announces that Cersei and Loras will have their trials AND trial by combat is outlawed, my jaw drops. The jig is up now… what is Cersei going to do? Also, that rumor Cersei has Qyburn looking into makes me nervous… especially with rumors that wildfire is somehow involved (read more HERE)!

Somewhat sadly, this also means that Cleganebowl is off. Gregor and Sandor will not be fighting to the death, at least not anytime soon. Besides, it looks like Sandor has joined the Brotherhood Without Banners to go North. The Hound seems to like Sansa… here’s hoping he gets there in time to help defeat Ramsay!

But you know who is definitely going back to Winterfell? ARYA IS!

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

“A girl is Arya Stark of Winterfell. And I’m going home.” HELL YES! Since Arya arrives in Braavos and begins her training to be No One, I’ve wanted to realize that she is someone! She has family in Westeros and she needs to join them and fight to reclaim what they’ve lost. And now she is… she’s ended the Waif (THANK GOODNESS), basically tells Jaqen to take a long walk off a short pier, and she’s going back to Winterfell! The Stark Family Reunion seems so within our grasp now! I really hope she’s able to make it back safely and rejoin her siblings.

And finally, in Meereen, my Queen and Khaleesi is back, just in time to interrupt a drinking/joke-sharing session between Tyrion, Grey Worm, and Missandei (L.O.L.) and save them from the impending attack from the slavers. So… what happens now? Will Yara and Theon arrive soon? And what mission has Varys embarked on?

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Well ladies and gents… the moment we’ve been waiting for is coming this week—THE BATTLE OF THE BASTARDS. Jon, Sansa, Davos, and the Wildlings are getting ready to face off against Ramsay for Winterfell and the North. From all accounts, this battle is going to be EPIC.

According to an Entertainment Weekly article, “Battle of the Bastards” will feature the biggest battle ever… bigger than “Hardhome“, and I think we remember how spectacular “Hardhome” was! “Battle of the Bastards” took 25 days to shoot, with 500 extras, 600 crew members, four camera crews, with millions of dollars in play.

We know the episode is written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, directed by Miguel Sapochnik, and will be 60 minutes long… but that’s about it. HBO hasn’t released a episode synopsis.!

In short, I’m told it’s amazing and the most spectacular TV battle you’ve ever seen, even when it comes to one element that’s under-appreciated, but really expensive: lots of horses. Kit Harington demonstrates everything he’s learned as an action star and physical performer over the last five years. It’s must see and must see live. Also, the bastards battle isn’t the only action sequence in the episode. Stew on that.

HAVE. MERCY.
The episode stills and preview trailer give us a glimpse into this massive fight:

Courtesy of HBO

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

I am SO ready for “Battle of the Bastards”! Tune into HBO when it airs on Sunday, June 19 at 9:00pm ET|PT, and come live tweet with @WeSoNerdy too!

“Battle of the Bastards” will also be available at the following times:
HBO—
June 19 = 11:35pm, 2:00am,
June 20 = 12:10am
June 21 = 9:00pm, 3:25am
June 23 = 11:00pm
June 24 = 9:00pm
June 25 = 12:35am
July 1 = 7:45pm